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The Day the Deutschmark Arrived - German Monetary Union - 20 Years On

Special Program: 20 Years of German Unity

1 July 1990 was the day monetary union between East and West Germany took effect. For many citizens of East Germany, it was a special moment in their life. The Deutschmark was a symbol of the economic miracle and resultant wealth in West Germany. Politicians saw currency union as the only way to stem the flow of people out of East Germany and mounting protests in the dying East German state. The message from the people was clear: "If we get the Deutschmark, we will stay, otherwise we will go after it." Despite warnings from economists, the two states’ leaders opted for immediate monetary union.